In a recent interview with Simplemente Fútbol, Rodrigo De Paul offered detailed insight into his role with the Argentina national team, his relationship with Lionel Messi, and the team’s journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
From the moment he joined the national team, De Paul had a clear vision:
“When I got to the national team and saw Messi, I said, ‘We’re going to be champions.’ I didn’t say it to motivate anyone. I believed it.”
After Argentina’s unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match, he and Messi chose not to see their families on the team’s day off.
“We were too affected. We stayed in a room talking for hours. We started off upset, but by the time dinner came around, we had already shifted the energy. That conversation helped.”
De Paul also pointed out how Messi’s influence goes beyond his role as captain.
“He doesn’t speak a lot, but his actions set the tone. If lunch is at 1 p.m., he’s already there before 1. Without saying a word, he creates discipline.”
Their communication on the field also became a strategic tool.
“Sometimes we just look at each other and know what’s needed to reorganize the team. It makes the process more fluid.”
De Paul recalled the team’s performance in the World Cup Final against France:
“We felt in control for most of the match. It was possibly the best we played. But football changes quickly.”
He identified key players in the team’s success:
“The turning point was Messi’s goal against Mexico. After that, Julián, Alexis, and Enzo had a huge impact. They helped push us forward.”
De Paul was also open about what fuels him at this stage of his career. After dealing with isolation during his time at Valencia, he prioritized something different.
“At one point I told Racing, ‘I just want to play the Copa Libertadores. Don’t pay me.’ I wasn’t looking for money. I just wanted to be in a place where I felt wanted.”
“Sometimes it’s not about the financial side. It’s how a club makes you feel. When Udinese gave me the No. 10 shirt, the same number Di Natale wore, I felt they trusted me. That matters more than a contract.”
He added:
“I’ve worked hard, of course, but I’m not motivated by money. I need to feel valued. That’s what pushes me.”
Growing up, one of De Paul’s main inspirations was Juan Román Riquelme.
“If you asked me who I admired, it was Riquelme. Because of my position when I was a kid, I watched him a lot. I used to sit and watch him play.”
De Paul closed the interview reflecting on the game itself:
“Football is the most powerful thing there is. It brings out every emotion. Joy, sadness, pressure. And all it takes is a ball.”
